De Jong Strikes Late Scoring Ottawa the Win
May 22, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
Marcel De Jong and Ottawa Fury FC Celebrate Game-Winning Goal
(Ottawa Fury FC, Credit: Steve Kingsman/Fury FC)
OTTAWA, ON - Marcel De Jong played hero for Ottawa Fury FC on a sweltering Sunday afternoon at TD Place as the Canadian midfielder fired home the winning goal in 88th minute to give Fury the 1-0 win over Jacksonville Armada.
In front of 5,550 fans on a summer-like day in the Nation's Capital, forward Carl Haworth sent a nice ball through for De Jong and his blast from a tough angle found the back of the net after Armada keeper Miguel Gallardo got just a piece of it.
The three points were big for Fury FC, who remain undefeated in NASL play at home this season with two wins and a draw at TD Place in 2016. Ottawa had to battle through the heat and a number of earlier foiled chances before De Jong sent the crowd into a frenzy.
De Jong admitted his goal came on a bit of a "lucky shot" but was pleased with the end result, especially in front of the home fans.
"I happened to be at the right place at the right time," he said. "We've become a tough team to play against, especially at home, and that's what we're looking to do."
Fury goalkeeper Romuald Peiser picked up his second clean sheet of the season with the victory.
Both sides spent time sizing each other up in the first half, with both Ottawa and Jacksonville taking a more cautious approach early on. Things would eventually open up, leading to chances both ways.
Dennis Chin led the way for Ottawa with two shots in the opening 45 minutes, including one that sailed just high and another that was stopped by Armada keeper Miguel Gallardo.
Jacksonville nearly took the lead late in the opening half when Charles Elondou cracked one on goal in the 40th minute, but the ball was expertly swallowed up by Fury keeper Romuald Peiser.
"If you look at the chances, we had the better ones," said Fury coach Paul Dalglish. "We looked at Jacksonville, with the amount of pace they had up front, and we decided to play a little bit deeper to protect that space behind and I thought we did it quite well. It's an important three points for us.
Fury FC return to action at TD Place on Friday night when they host the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at 7 p.m. before MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps come to town June 1 at 7:30 p.m. for the first leg of the Canadian Championship semi-finals.
Single game tickets are available now, calling 613-232-6767 x1 or in person at the TD Place Box Office. Interested in more than just single game tickets? Fans can buy their 2016 Fury FC season tickets here and become part of a growing legion of fans that has helped make TD Place a fortress.
Images from this story
 Marcel De Jong and Ottawa Fury FC Celebrate Game-Winning Goal (Steve Kingsman/Fury FC) |
North American Soccer League Stories from May 22, 2016
- Cosmos Regain Top Spot with Win over Rowdies - New York Cosmos
- Tampa Bay Rowdies Fall 2-1 To New York Cosmos - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Cosmos Back on Top as Wild Spring Season Hits Home Stretch - NASL
- Eddies Continue to Climb NASL Standings with 1-0 Win over RailHawks - FC Edmonton
- RailHawks Fall at FC Edmonton - North Carolina FC
- Late Goal by Ottawa Hands Armada 1-0 Loss - Jacksonville Armada FC
- De Jong Strikes Late Scoring Ottawa the Win - Ottawa Fury FC
- Minnesota United Goalkeeper Steward Ceus Called up for Copa America Centenario - Minnesota United FC
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